I have provided my family with a shopping-free birthday for me! I just bought myself one of the most beautiful books I have seen, a piece of art in itself: the new book about Tord Boontje by Martina Margetts.

I am sure you have all seen the work of Tord Boontje: his whimsical contemporary designs for Swarovski, Artecnica and Moroso. His light fixtures, chairs, fabrics and paper products have become something of a cult classic with collectors all over the world. Probably the most famous piece is his "Midsummer Light", the paper "shade" cut into a delicate floral pattern.

I was drawn in by the cover of his beautiful book when I saw it in the Builder's Booksource in Berkeley, CA. The printed cover is covered in a sheer cheesecloth fabric creating a very ethereal effect. Then I looked inside.....I was entranced. The beautiful photos notwithstanding, I was captivated by the perforated and die-cut pages in patterns of flowers and birds. I must say this book is a work of art and is something I will treasure.